2 men face charges after rescue from Great Miami

Firefighters had to rescue two men from the Great Miami River after their vehicle slid off the road and submerged Sunday.

James Arszman, 51, of Colerain Township, and Matthew Howard, 46, of Norwood, were riding in a 1992 Jeep Cherokee on ATV trails along the river about 8:20 p.m. in Miami Township when the vehicle slid off the trail and rolled several times.

The Jeep came to a rest on its wheels with the front of the vehicle partially submerged in the water.

Arszman was able to get out and call 911, but Howard was trapped for a short time before freeing himself, too.

Deputies and Whitewater Township firefighters initially responded to the area of Cilley Road and Ohio 128 in Whitewater Township after the initial call, but they were unable to find anything.

After receiving additional information, the men were located on the riverbank about 30 minutes later.

Due to the remote location and terrain, additional rescue crews were called to assist from Lawrenceburg and Woodlawn fire departments.

Howard was taken to University of Cincinnati Medical Center for treatment of possible shoulder and leg injuries.

Arszman was examined at the scene and refused medical treatment.

The pair faces criminal trespass charges because they were on private property when they slid off the ATV trail.